Austin is known as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World,’ but it is not just for music and food lovers. The city is a hub for families, with a list of family-friendly places to visit and activities to enjoy. If you’re visiting Austin with your parents or have your parents visiting you, you’re in for a treat! It features stunning outdoor spaces, a variety of food menus to try, excellent live music venues, and much more. It’s a city that offers something for everyone of all ages.
Let’s walk you through some of the best things to do in Austin with parents. Keep reading for a memorable experience with family –
Listing The Fun Things To Do With Parents In Austin
Go On Outdoor Explorations
Zilker’s Metropolitan Park is one of the best destinations for outdoor adventures with family. Spanning across 351 acres, this outdoor family hotspot offers a list of attractions. Some include:
- The Zilker Eagle: An electric mini train to explore the area on wheels.
- The Austin Nature and Science Center: A great spot to make scientific discoveries and explore the fauna.
- A dinosaur bone dig pit, taking you back to the dino days.
- The famous Zilker playscape.
- Zilker Botanical Garden: It’s also called the ‘Jewel in the heart of Austin’. It’s a lovely, easily accessible area ideal for a leisurely morning with parents, complete with meandering paths, koi ponds, and themed gardens (such as the Japanese Garden and the Hartman Prehistoric Garden).
- Disc Golf Course for some to make some fun family memories while playing golf.
Give your parents a break from their mundane life and plan a day outdoors by choosing among these fun things to do with parents in Austin.
Indulge In Cultural Experiences
Take your parents on a cultural tour in Austin. Let them explore the rich heritage and culture of the city. The best spots offering a wholesome cultural experience are –
- The Bullock Texas State History Museum: Why go? It offers immersion displays that tell Texas’s story from space exploration to Native American ancestry. It’s an exploration of the resiliency, identity, and culture of Texas. It has some parent-friendly features, including wheelchairs, elevators, and a café for breaks.
- Texas State Capitol, to explore the state history through access to the historic building.
- Blanton Museum of Art: It’s one of the largest university art museums in the country. It’s known for its excellent display of European paintings, modern art, and Latin American works.
Take Your Older Parents For Immersive Experiences
There are several things to do in Austin with older parents. For example:
- Lady Bird Lake River Cruise: With comfortable seating, shade, and an insightful narration about the city’s history and landmarks, your parents will love this cruise trip. It also includes bat watching excursions and other general sightseeing tours. You can also rent SUPs (stand-up paddleboards) or kayaks here!
- A Meal at Mattie’s: With older parents, you can always enjoy an early dinner or long lunch at Mattie’s! It’s one of the few things to do in Austin with parents that everyone enjoys. Why? It’s a historic restaurant where you can see peacocks roaming around on the ground.
- Zilker’s Botanical Garden: We mentioned it before, but this is a great spot to visit with your older parents. The slow-paced walk embracing nature, the beautiful landscaped gardens, and a tranquil surrounding make up for a great day out with parents. To avoid the heat, you can visit late afternoon for a more relaxing experience.
Spend The Afternoon At The Winery
Among the popular things for families to do in Austin, a visit to the Winery is a must-visit! You can choose between the Infinite Monkey Theorem and Austin Winery, which are the urban wineries in town. Here, you can taste the delicious Texas grapes.
Apart from this, you have Becker Vineyards, William Chris, and Duchman Family Winery, which are located in the Hill Country and make for a lovely day out.
Some Fun Indoor Activities To Try
We spoke about the common outdoor things to do with your parents in Austin, but what about some family-friendly indoor places and activities? Here’s a list –
- The Art Garage, offering fun activities to indulge in, like glass fusion, painting, and mosaic.
- Central Market North Lamar: This spot combines everything you’re looking for – live music, a playground park, and some fun shopping.
- Inner Space Cavern: Not to miss, the Inner Space Cavern, which combines the discovery of human and animal fossils and education tours.
Indulging In Some Fun And Entertainment
Since 1948, Peter Pan Mini Golf has been a staple in Austin, offering two distinct 18-hole courses ideal for competitive play and family pleasure, along with whimsical sculptures. In inclement weather, the Austin Bouldering Project provides a top-notch indoor climbing experience for all ages, with padded floors ensuring that even the tiniest can participate. This spot is perfect if you’re looking for kid-friendly things to do in Austin with parents. The Pinballz arcade, which has more than 150 pinball machines spread across three sites and offers both vintage and contemporary arcade games, completes the indoor activities.
You can have a lot of fun with your parents, siblings, and family by visiting these top entertainment spots. It’s among the few fun things for families to do together and collect memories.
Catch A Live Music Performance
A list of top things to do with elderly parents in Austin is incomplete without mentioning live music performances. It’s a must-see when in the city. Your parents will thank you for bringing them to some of the top live music destinations in town –
- The Continental Club for a classic Austin music experience
- Zach Theater for a more immersive and relaxing experience
- Blues on the Green, a free and family-friendly outdoor concert series held in Zilker Park during the summer.
Experience The Taste Of Austin
Finally, among the best things to do in Austin with parents is to experience the taste and cuisine of the state. Your trip with your parents seems incomplete without finding a good spot to eat. Let us make this decision easy for you –
- Salt Lick BBQ: Even though it’s a short drive from Austin, this local-favorite spot offers incredible outdoor seating under the trees, serving massive portions of smoked meat. Enjoy your meal while embracing the natural beauty. It’s a great dining spot located around Austin.
- Odd Duck: This is an excellent dining spot, serving farm-to-table cuisine. It has a cozy and very welcoming atmosphere, making it one of the highest-rated restaurants among tourists and locals alike.
- The Roosevelt Room: If you want to take your parents for a drink, The Roosevelt Room is one of the best in town. It’s Austin’s most-awarded cocktail bar, offering a well-curated selection of wine, beer, and epicurean bar cuisine, along with an epicurean drinking experience crafted by its experienced bar staff, who specialize in both classic and inventive cocktails.
Take Your Parents On Unforgettable Adventures!
Austin, TX, is not just a great place to explore with parents but also an excellent location to start a family. Let your parents not worry about the best places to live in Texas with a family, and take them on an outing to some of the great places the city offers! With a gazillion things to do, you will never run out of options!
FAQs
Is Austin Good For Families?
Austin is renowned for its vibrant cultural environment and easygoing, enjoyable feel. The city’s attractions are particularly appealing to young professionals, but families and seniors can also take advantage of the enjoyable activities and abundant employment prospects. You can also introduce them to Nitin Austin Realtor, if your parents are looking for properties to invest in the city’s real estate market.
What Part of Austin Is Family-Friendly?
Due to its close proximity to Downtown Austin and the University of Texas at Austin, Old West Austin is a wonderful ATX neighborhood for families. Young folks frequently visit local cafes and shops, keeping the area busy.
Is Austin Downtown Safe At Night?
Generally speaking, Austin is very safe. It also offers great nightlife and downtown activities that you can enjoy.
